(R)Tour operators in Spain listen in on the presentation held on 13 December in Madrid; (L) Consul Ralf Roldan delivers remarks on behalf of the Ambassador

A destination presentation on the Philippines was held for 70 tour operators based in Spain on 13 December 2018, at the NH Eurobuilding in Madrid. The event was organized by Department of Tourism – London, which also covers Southern Europe, with support from the Philippine Embassy in Madrid.

Tourism Attaché Gerard O. Panga and presentations from the DOT’s marketing representatives in Spain, Comunicación Iberoamericana, highlighted the range of options in destinations for tourists in the Philippines, as well as key factors that make the country attractive to Spaniards, including Filipinos’ positive disposition and English language skills, food, and incredible landscapes.

Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier, Consul Ralf Roldan urged the audience to become the Embassy’s partners in promoting the Philippines to Spaniards, and take advantage of the country’s momentum among tourists.

As of September 2018, Spanish tourist arrivals reached a record number of 32,312 and the year-end tally is expected to surpass 2017’s record of 36,954. The Philippines is currently receiving unprecedented interest from Spanish tourists.

The event is an introduction to the Philippines as a tourism destination, in preparation for its participation in FITUR, the biggest travel fair in Spain,which will be held on 23-27 January 2019 in Madrid.